It is impossible for people to avoid taking risks. Author John Piper defines risk as, “An action that exposes you to the possibility of loss or injury.” He also affirms that the reason there is such thing as risk is because, “There is such a thing as ignorance.” When thinking about risk in this way, it seems foolish to say that an all knowing and all powerful God takes risks. Many, however, believe that God did take a risk by leaving His message and mission in the hands of human beings.
Last week, the youth discussed whether or not Jesus took a risk by leaving us with the task of taking the Gospel to the world. Although it does appear that way, one must ask, “Why is Jesus so confident that ordinary men and women can complete this extraordinary assignment?”
Scripture teaches that Jesus does not place his faith solely in his disciples, but in the ability of the three persons of the Godhead who abide with, indwell and empower all who trust in him for salvation. There are several affirmations Jesus makes during his earthly ministry that indicate this.
Jesus first insists that salvation is a work of God. In John 6:44 he states, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” He also testifies of himself, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32).
Jesus also affirms that his disciples are not left to carry out the mission of God by themselves. He promises them his presence and the presence of the Holy Spirit. After giving the Great Commission, Jesus affirms, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). He also asserts in John 14:16, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him or knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
Finally, Jesus indicates that his followers will be successful because of the power of the Holy Spirit. It is interesting that Jesus tells his disciples in Acts 1:4, “Wait for the promise of the Father.” In this verse Jesus is referring to the Holy Spirit. This is one of the few times the followers of Jesus are instructed to wait. The reason they are told to linger is because they need to receive the power of the Holy Spirit so they can be witnesses for Christ making him known where he is not (Acts 1:8).
Last week, the youth discussed whether or not Jesus took a risk by leaving us with the task of taking the Gospel to the world. Although it does appear that way, one must ask, “Why is Jesus so confident that ordinary men and women can complete this extraordinary assignment?”
Scripture teaches that Jesus does not place his faith solely in his disciples, but in the ability of the three persons of the Godhead who abide with, indwell and empower all who trust in him for salvation. There are several affirmations Jesus makes during his earthly ministry that indicate this.
Jesus first insists that salvation is a work of God. In John 6:44 he states, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” He also testifies of himself, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32).
Jesus also affirms that his disciples are not left to carry out the mission of God by themselves. He promises them his presence and the presence of the Holy Spirit. After giving the Great Commission, Jesus affirms, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). He also asserts in John 14:16, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him or knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
Finally, Jesus indicates that his followers will be successful because of the power of the Holy Spirit. It is interesting that Jesus tells his disciples in Acts 1:4, “Wait for the promise of the Father.” In this verse Jesus is referring to the Holy Spirit. This is one of the few times the followers of Jesus are instructed to wait. The reason they are told to linger is because they need to receive the power of the Holy Spirit so they can be witnesses for Christ making him known where he is not (Acts 1:8).
The Holy Spirit not only gives the followers of Christ strength and boldness, but knowledge of how to be adequate witnesses for him. Jesus told them, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26).
Believers are correct in thinking that if it were left to them alone; God's mission would be in jeopardy. One thing we learn throughout Scripture, however, is that when God sets seemingly unattainable demands upon His people, He provides the means to accomplish the ends.
